Raigad Fort Maharashtra History and Interesting Facts

Raigad Fort Quick Facts

Raigad Fort Overview

India has been the home of many great and powerful empires, which have built various types of forts and palaces in many areas of India. This fort, having the ability to revive Indian history, continues to exist even today. One of the most historical and great forts of India, Raigad Fort is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.

Raigad Fort History

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort of Raja Chandrarao Mor of Jawali in the year 1656 AD and rebuilt and expanded his fort "Rairi" and renamed it Raigad, after which it became the capital of the Maratha Empire. On the basis of this fort, the villages of Pachad and Raigadwadi are still in existence, both these villages were considered very important during the Maratha rule.

After this fort was demolished by King Chandrarao Mor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built another fort, Lingana, 2 miles from Raigad, which was used to house prisoners. This fort was taken over by many empires after Shivaji Maharaj, including the famous Mughal Empire and the British Empire.

Raigad Fort Interesting Facts

1. One of the most famous and historical forts of India, Raigad Fort has first constructed in the year 1030 AD by the Maurya king Chandrarao More.
2. After the death of King Chandrarao More, the rule of weak rulers started here, as a result of which around the year 1656, King Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire subjugated this fort and made it his residence for a few years. was.
3. After some time Shivaji Maharaj did some improvements and reconstructed it, after which it was renamed Raigad. He was so emotionally attached to this fort that he even made it the capital of his kingdom in the year 1674.
4. In the year 1689 AD, Zulfkhar Khan, the regional employee of the famous Mughal Empire established his supremacy on this fort and overthrew the Marathas from here and changed its name to "Islamgarh". After Zulfkhar Khan, Siddhi Fathe Khan captured this fort and kept all its activities under his control till 1733 AD.
5. In the year 1765 AD, along with Malvan in Sindhudurg district in the southern part of Maharashtra, Raigad fort had to face an armed campaign by the British, due to which the fort suffered a lot and many of its major buildings.
6. In the year 1818, this fort was occupied by the British, but in the first attack by them, this fort was badly damaged, due to which most of its part was destroyed.
7. The Fort was mainly divided into 6 mandalas, each of which also had a private rest room.
8. This Fort is a perfect example of a mixture of Mughal, Maratha and European architecture because the way wood has been used to build the palaces is included in the objects of these, which is also its main attraction.
9. A Famous lake called Ganga Sagar also flows from the banks of this fort, which offers a mesmerizing view, it is believed that due to this lake, the soil around this fort was so fertile that it has different types of soil throughout the year. The types of farming were done together.
10. This Fort is one of the most amazing and tallest forts in India which is situated at an altitude of about 1,356 meters.
11. A special type of market is also present in this fort, from where tourists can easily buy the items of their needs.
12. To enter this world famous fort, you have to climb about 1737 steps.
13. This Fort is very much liked by trekking enthusiasts because it is located at a high altitude, which makes trekking here even more fun, its climb is made in the ropeway, which is 760 meters long.
14. The only main road to this fort passes through the "Maha-Darwaja" (Great Gate). The Maha-Darwaja has two huge bastions on either side of the gate, which are about 65-70 feet in height. The top of the fort is 600 feet high from the location of this door.